A motorist stands accused of driving under the influence and causing a multi-vehicle accident that left two people injured Sunday morning in southeast Fresno. The accident happened at the intersection of Church Avenue and Chestnut Avenue on August 30, 2021.
KSEE-TV reported Fresno Police Officers were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. Investigators found that the driver of a black Toyota Camry struck another car and a van after running a red light.
The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the van were injured in the crash. They were transported to the hospital with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. Their updated conditions have not been released.
Fresno Officers suspect the driver of the Camry of driving while under the influence. They say witnesses saw the driver traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the collision. The accident remains under investigation.
DUI Accident Dangers in Fresno
Fresno intersections carry enough hazards for motorists under the best of circumstances. When drivers take to the roads under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can suddenly place other motorists approaching an intersection at risk. Motorists can face extreme danger and not even know it until it’s too late.
In regards to alcohol-related accidents alone, the price victims across Fresno must pay is enormous each year. These consequences aren’t just paid by the victims involved. Their families also endure the worry over an injured loved one, and in the most tragic cases, the loss of a precious life.
In 2018, 1,069 people in California died in accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers. That tragic figure accounted for 30% of all fatalities in the state for the year. What’s more, in those fatal accidents involving alcohol, repeat offender DUI drivers were responsible for around 22% of the crashes.
One of the saddest aspects of these drug and alcohol-related accidents is that they are often so easy to prevent. With more responsibility and planning on the part of potential DUI drivers and with better surveillance from friends and family of potential offenders, these dangerous motorists will never end up behind the wheel to threaten others.
Finding Support for Victims And Families After Fresno Accidents
After a frightening accident, victims can wonder what sort of rights are in place to protect them. They may also wonder who will be held accountable for the extreme costs of their hospital bills and their lost wages while they must miss work.
California has protections in place for victims and their families but insurance providers for at-fault drivers aren’t required to inform victims of these benefits. For more information on what to do after a Fresno car accident involving DUI, you can visit our informational page here.
